Care Settings
Post-acute and long-term care encompass a range of healthcare services provided to individuals who require assistance due to chronic illness, disability, or the effects of aging. These settings can be categorized into various care settings. Keep in mind that the terminology and specific services may vary by region. Here are some common care settings under post-acute and long-term care:
Nursing Homes/Long-Term Care Facilities: Provide 24-hour skilled nursing care for individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities who are unable to care for themselves independently.
Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs): Offer a more independent living environment for seniors who need some assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) but do not require constant medical supervision.
Rehabilitation Centers: Focus on short-term rehabilitation services, often following a hospital stay. They provide physical, occupational, or speech therapy to help individuals recover from surgery, injury, or illness.
Home Health Care: Services delivered in a patient's home, including nursing care, therapy, and assistance with daily activities.
Hospice Care: End-of-life care that focuses on providing comfort and support for individuals with terminal illnesses. Hospice care can be provided at home, in a hospice facility, etc.
Memory Care Units: Specialized facilities or units within long-term care facilities designed to meet the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia
Residential Care Homes/Board and Care Homes: Small group living environments that offer personal care and support services to residents. They are usually located in residential neighborhoods.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): Provide a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and nursing care, allowing residents to transition between levels of care as their needs change.
Palliative Care Programs: Focus on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness and are not limited to end-of-life care. This can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, homes, or specialized palliative care units.
These care settings work together to address the diverse needs of individuals requiring post-acute and long-term care, offering different levels of assistance and support based on the individual's health status and preferences.
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